SAUDI Arabia has “opened to tourists around the world” as part of a plan to reduce the kingdom’s dependence on oil and diversify its economy.
Details of a new visa regime will be announced tonight at a gala event in the capital Riyadh, with tourism identified as one of the key sectors to grow in the country’s Vision 2030 plan, which was unveiled in 2016.
Despite Smartraveller advice for the Kingdom listed at “reconsider your need to travel to Saudi Arabia due to the threat of terrorist attack”, Saudi Arabia is expecting to increase international and domestic visits to the destination to 100 million a year by 2030, when the aim is for tourism to contribute up to 10% towards the Saudi GDP, compared to just 3% today.
In order to achieve the goal, the kingdom is spending billions of dollars, with a number of new tourist destinations currently under construction, including the futuristic city of NEOM and the Qiddiya entertainment city.
Saudi airport capacity is expected to increase by 150 million passengers per annum and an additional 500,000 hotel key cards are planned across the country over the coming decade.
Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage Chairman Ahmad Al-Khateeb said “opening Saudi Arabia to international tourists is a historic moment for our country”.
“Visitors will be surprised and delighted by the treasures we have to share – five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a vibrant local culture and breathtaking natural beauty.”
DFAT also advises Australians to not travel within 30km of the border with Yemen.
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Source: traveldaily